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Locavore U Pick And Camp, California

About the area: Surprise Valley is at an elevation of about 4500 feet (1370 meters) and is classified as "high desert". The small town of Fort Bidwell is about 25 miles (40 km) from the nearest Read more...

About the area: Surprise Valley is at an elevation of about 4500 feet (1370 meters) and is classified as "high desert". The small town of Fort Bidwell is about 25 miles (40 km) from the nearest store, 45 miles (72 km) from the nearest "big" town (population 3000), and 3 to 4 hours drive from Redding, California; Reno, Nevada; and Bend, Oregon. The ranch is at the base of the Warner Mountains and to the east faces the vast Nevada desert. In the winter, snow can accumulate up to a couple of feet (0.6 meters), but usually does not last long and in any case the road is snowplowed right up to the house. Temperatures vary, but for periods in the extreme winter can approach zero degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees below zero C). There are multiple natural hot springs nearby. The main occupation in this area is ranching (raising cattle for beef or alfalfa to feed to cows that will be beef), but there are a number of artists, retired people, and others who call this place home. Fort Bidwell and Surprise Valley are also home to multiple organic farms operated by lovely families. People come here come for the fishing and hunting, birdwatching or exploring history, for the clean air and open spaces, and for the solitude. Sightings of deer, eagles, antelope, and lots of other wildlife are common. This is a place where people live closely with nature and where patience and self-reliance are crucial.